Motor vehicle collisions can generate significant financial expenses in a short amount of time. A crash can leave a vehicle unsafe to drive. Owners may need to repair a vehicle or replace it, both of which can cost thousands of dollars. Individuals involved in a collision can also sustain significant injuries. They may have medical costs to cover and likely future medical expenses to address as well. They may miss work due to their injuries. In some cases, their injuries could produce a long-term reduction in their overall earning potential.
Those affected by crashes where other people are at fault may need to seek compensation for their losses. What options are available to those experiencing economic setbacks because of a car wreck?
1. Insurance coverage
Liability coverage is mandatory, which means that every driver should have a policy to cover others if they are at fault for a wreck. Those affected by a crash can file a claim against the coverage maintained by the other motorist.
Some people may have additional coverage on their own policies that can help defray expenses. Comprehensive, collision and underinsured motorist protection can all help supplement the liability coverage of the driver at fault for the wreck.
2. The driver at fault
Some motorists allow their insurance coverage to lapse. Other drivers have inadequate coverage. Their policies may meet legal requirements but may fall short of the costs generated by a crash.
In such cases, the people harmed by the collision may need to consider taking legal action. A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit brought against the driver at fault for the crash can provide full compensation for collision expenses.
3. Third-party lawsuits
Individual drivers may not have the personal resources or income necessary to fully offset collision costs. Occasionally, it may be possible to bring a lawsuit against a third party that contributed to the crash.
Perhaps the driver at fault was on the clock, which might mean that their employer has a degree of responsibility. Perhaps there were defective vehicle components that contributed to the crash. There are a variety of scenarios in which businesses can have a degree of liability for motor vehicle collisions. A lawsuit against a business can often result in more thorough compensation than a lawsuit against an individual driver.
Exploring every option for car crash compensation may help people reduce their losses after a car accident. Those who are not at fault for a crash may not have to absorb the expenses produced by a wreck.